granddaddy graybeard

granddaddy graybeardn

1 also grandfather graybeard:= daddy longlegs n1.

1872MO State Entomol.Annual Rept. 17, An undetermined species of Phalangium. . . These animals are popularly called “Grand-Daddy-Long-Legs” in this country, but are also known as “Harvest-men” and “Grandfather-Gray-Beards,” in some parts.1899BergenAnimal Lore 38, A grand-daddy gray-beard (daddy-long-legs) running over clothes means that you will soon have a new garment. Boxford, Mass., and Cazenovia, N.Y.Ibid 58 wNY (as of c1830), Grandfather graybeard,/ Tell me where my cows are or I’ll kill you.1923DN 5.242 KY,Gran’-daddy-gray-beard. . . A kind of spider with elongated legs and feelers.1937GardnerFolkl. Schoharie 275 ceNY, When you don’t know where the cows are, catch a grandfather graybeard and say to him: “Tell me where the cows are, or I’ll kill you.”1967–68DARE(Qu. R28) Infs NY22, 88, Grandfather graybeard.